System and Method for HVAC Register Filtration

ABSTRACT

A register filtration system, for use with an HVAC system, includes a top cover, with a plurality of cover slats defining a plurality of cover vent openings. The register filtration system further includes a slider piece, which is slidably arranged with respect to the top cover and includes a plurality of slider slats defining a plurality of slider vent openings. The register filtration system also includes a filter, which is configured for allowing air flow in at least one direction therethrough while capturing debris in an opposite direction. The register filtration system also includes a frame, which is configured for supporting the top cover, slider piece, and filter thereon and for covering a register box opening attached to the HVAC system.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to heating, ventilation, and airconditioning (HVAC) systems and, more particularly, to filtrationsystems for use at register openings for HVAC systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

While a variety of register covers are currently on the market for usein residential and commercial settings, a persistent problem exists inthat these register covers do not prevent the falling of trash anddebris through the vent openings and into the HVAC system. While ductcleaning services are available, such duct cleaning may not be effectivein cleaning out heavier debris that can accumulate during original homeconstruction or remodel, or even during everyday living, especially fromhousehold pets. Furthermore, as air is recirculated through the HVACsystem, household air is further contaminated by the fallen debris andnormal pollutants, thus potentially contributing to health issues forthe occupants.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the embodiments described herein, there is provided aregister filtration system, for use with an HVAC system, including a topcover, with a plurality of cover slats defining a plurality of covervent openings. The register filtration system further includes a sliderpiece, which is slidably arranged with respect to the top cover andincludes a plurality of slider slats defining a plurality of slider ventopenings. The vent slats have been angled at an approximately 45-degreeangle to help push the air out and up into the space to be conditioned.The register filtration system also includes a filter, which isconfigured for allowing air flow in at least one direction therethroughwhile capturing debris in an opposite direction. The register filtrationsystem also includes a frame, which is configured for supporting the topcover, slider piece, and filter thereon and for covering a register boxopening attached to the HVAC system. In an embodiment, the filter isremovably installed within the frame. The filter is formed of at leastone of a wire mesh, a plastic mesh, a nylon mesh, a fabric, a mesh madeof wood pulse materials, and a mesh material impregnated with afiltration material, such as charcoal-impregnated bamboo mesh and abamboo charcoal mesh.

In another embodiment, the slider piece is slidable between a firstposition and a second position such that, when the slider piece is inthe first position, the plurality of slide vent openings aresubstantially unobstructed by the slider piece, and when the sliderpiece is in the second position, the plurality of slider vent openingsare blocked by the slider piece. The slider piece can include a toggleswitch to move the slider piece from the first position to the secondposition.

In still another embodiment, the register filtration system includes asticker for adhering the filter to the frame. The frame can be formed ofa deformable material for accommodating register box frames of varioussizes. The registration filtration system can also include a scentsachet and/or an activated charcoal filter, in accordance with anembodiment.

In yet another embodiment, a method for filtering air output from anHVAC system includes providing a register configured for fitting into aregister box opening for the HVAC system, wherein the register isfurther configured for supporting a filter for allowing air flow in atleast one direction therethrough while capturing debris in an oppositedirection. The method includes providing a scent sachet and/or anactivated charcoal filter, in a further embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an assembled register cover assembly, in elevationand without the filter insert, to illustrate the hardware configurationto be installed at the register box of an HVAC system, in accordancewith an embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of a filtration system, in elevation,illustrating the individual components of the filtration systemincluding a filter insert, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of an assembled filtration system, illustratingan exemplary configuration of vent openings, in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of an assembled filtration system, inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows an exploded, front view of a filtration system, inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a filter insert, in elevation, for use with the filtrationsystem, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a bottom view of a filter insert for use with thefiltration system, in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is described more fully hereinafter with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention areshown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different formsand should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forthherein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosurewill be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of theinvention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the size andrelative sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.This invention is adaptable for use in all sizes acceptable by currentHVAC standards as well as custom dimensions. Like numbers refer to likeelements throughout.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc.may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions,layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layersand/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms areonly used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer orsection from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element,component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed asecond element, component, region, layer or section without departingfrom the teachings of the present invention.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “under,”“above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will beunderstood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompassdifferent orientations of the device in use or operation in addition tothe orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device inthe figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath”or “under” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” theother elements or features. Thus, the exemplary terms “below” and“under” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The devicemay be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations)and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpretedaccordingly. In addition, it will also be understood that when a layeris referred to as being “between” two layers, it can be the only layerbetween the two layers, or one or more intervening layers may also bepresent.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or”includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associatedlisted items, and may be abbreviated as “/”.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to asbeing “on,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “adjacent to” anotherelement or layer, it can be directly on, connected, coupled, or adjacentto the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may bepresent. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directlyon,” “directly connected to,” “directly coupled to,” or “immediatelyadjacent to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elementsor layers present. Likewise, when light is received or provided “from”one element, it can be received or provided directly from that elementor from an intervening element. On the other hand, when light isreceived or provided “directly from” one element, there are nointervening elements present.

Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference tocross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations ofidealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the invention. Assuch, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, forexample, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to beexpected. Thus, embodiments of the invention should not be construed aslimited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but areto include deviations in shapes that result, for example, frommanufacturing. Accordingly, the regions illustrated in the figures areschematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate theactual shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit thescope of the invention.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will befurther understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and/orthe present specification and will not be interpreted in an idealized oroverly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

The present invention seeks to solve the problems described in theBackground by providing a filtration system suitable for installation ata HVAC register box opening. An exemplary embodiment of a register coverassembly is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, with a front elevation view of theassembly shown in FIG. 1 and a bottom elevation view of the assemblyshown in FIG. 2. Register cover assembly 100 includes a top cover 102,with a plurality of vent openings 103 defined by a plurality of slats105. Top cover 102 also includes a flange 108, which removably positionstop cover 102 within register cover assembly 100.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, register cover assembly 100 alsoincludes a slider piece 110, which is slidably attached to top cover102. Slider piece 110 includes a plurality of vent openings 113 defineda plurality of slats 115. When slider piece 110 is in an “Open”position, vent openings 113 of slider piece 110 align with vent openings103 of top cover 102 to let air through both top cover 102 and sliderpiece 110. When slider piece 110 is in a “Closed” position, slats 115 ofslider piece 110 align with vent openings 103 of top cover 102 so as toblock air flow through top cover 102 and slider piece 110. Open andClosed positions of slider piece 110 may be selected by toggling aslider switch 116 on slider piece 110, which is accessible through topcover 102 via a slider switch opening 117 therein. In the embodimentshown, slider piece 110 is slidably supported against top cover 102 by aplurality of notches 118, as is visible in FIG. 2. Other supportstructure configurations, such as longer protrusions or groovearrangements, are also contemplated and are considered to fall withinthe scope of the present disclosure.

As is visible in FIGS. 1 and 2 as well as in subsequent figures, slats105 of top cover 102 and slats 115 of slider piece 110 are angled atapproximately 45 degrees with respect to the plane defined by the topsurface of top cover 102. The angled orientation of slats 105 and 115with respect to the plane of top cover 102, as well as the V-shapearrangement of the openings help to direct the air out and up into theliving space.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 1 and 2, register cover assembly 100further includes a frame 120, which is configured for insertion into anexisting HVAC register box opening (not shown) while supporting topcover 102 and slider piece 110. Frame 120 is designed to flex slightly,especially in the long dimension, so as to be insertable into registerbox openings of various sizes and shape irregularities. Top cover 102,slider piece 110, and frame 120 may be formed, for example, by injectionmolding, extrusion molding, or 3D printing using consumer-safe plasticmaterials. Other materials, such as various types of natural and treatedwood, as well as functional and decorative metals, may also be used. Inthe illustrated embodiment, frame 120 further includes a support strip122, and side panels 124, including corner pieces 126, for helping tosupport a filter (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) when the filter isinserted into register cover assembly 100, as will be discussed in moredetail hereinafter.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view, in elevation, of a register filtrationsystem including a filter, in accordance with an embodiment. A registerfiltration system 300 includes top cover 102, slider piece 110, andframe 120 of register cover assembly 100, as previously discussed.Furthermore, register filtration system 300 includes a filter 310, whichis configured to fit within frame 120 so as to filter air transmittedthrough register filtration system 300, while also catching any debristhat falls through vent openings 103 and 113 and into registerfiltration system 300.

FIG. 4 shows a front, exploded view of register filtration system 300,shown here to better illustrate the dimensional relationships betweenthe various components. In an embodiment, filter 310 may be configuredto fit within frame 120, then secured in place against frame 120 byflange 108 of top cover 102, when top cover 102 is inserted into frame120. Alternatively, filter 310 may be cut to be shorter than the fullheight of frame 124 such that flange 108 does not overlap with filter310.

Further details of filter 310, in accordance with an embodiment, areshown in FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 shows a front view, in elevation, offilter 310. Filter 310 as shown includes filter sides 510 connected by afilter bottom 520. Optionally, filter sides 510 may be eliminated andfilter 310 may include just filter bottom 520 (i.e., a single flat pieceof material). Filter 310 may be formed of, for example, a mesh materialthat allows air flow therethrough while catching debris larger than amillimeter in diameter. Specific materials used for filter 310 can beselected for specific applications, such as for filtration of debris inthe range of sub-micron to one centimeter in size or more, as well asfor the desired amount of air flow to satisfy local buildingrequirements (e.g., 350 to 400 cubic feet per minute for airconditioning systems in many municipalities). Possible materials includewire mesh, plastic mesh, nylon mesh, fabric filters, mesh made of woodpulp materials, mesh materials impregnated with filtration materials,such as charcoal-impregnated bamboo mesh or bamboo charcoal mesh.Suitable materials should capture debris falling into registerfiltration system 300, while still allowing sufficient airflow out fromthe HVAC system at a sufficient airflow rate to comply with buildingcode regulations.

Referring to FIG. 6 in particular, a bottom view of filter 310 is shown,in accordance with an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, bottom 520 offilter 310 includes a support strip sticker 622 and corner stickers 624,which correspond to the shape and locations of support strip 122 andcorner pieces 126 of frame 120. Optionally, additional sticker stripsmay be used on sides 510 of filter 310 to secure filter 310 to, forexample, side panel 124 or frame 120 itself. Moreover, additionalfiltration, air freshening, or fragrance packets may be incorporatedwithin or attached to filter 310. For example, an activated charcoalfilter or a scent sachet may be attached to filter 310 or side panel 124to provide additional air cleansing or fragrance to air pushed throughregister filtration system 300. Other configurations of filter supportstructures and structures to secure the filter within registerfiltration system 300 are contemplated and are considered to be withinthe scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows further details of the assembled register filtrationsystem. As seen from the top, register filtration system 300 includesvent openings 103 that are arranged in a symmetric angled fashion abouta center divider 710 in a V-shape arrangement. Assuming registerfiltration system 300 is installed on a floor with slider switch 116toward a wall, the angles of slats 105, and thus vent openings 103, arearranged such that air flowing through top cover 102 are pushed awayfrom the wall and into the room in which the register is located. Also,as previously discussed with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, slats 105 of topcover 102 and slats 115 of slider piece 110 are angled at approximately45 degrees with respect to the plane defined by the top surface of topcover 102. The V-shape arrangement of the openings, in combination ofthe angled orientation of slats 105 and 115 with respect to the plane oftop cover 102, help to direct the forced air away from the wall andtoward the living space. Other designs for the slats and vent openingsare contemplated, including those including decorative filigree andornamental designs, as well as other arrangements of angled slats fordirecting the air in specific ways.

FIG. 8 shows a bottom view of the assembled register filtration system,illustrating an exemplary way in which filter bottom 520 covers thebottom opening of frame 120. Support strip sticker 622 and cornerstickers 624 are aligned with and attach to support strip 122 and cornerpieces 126 of frame 120, so as to secure filter 310 to frame 120.

The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to beconstrued as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary embodiments ofthis invention have been described, those skilled in the art willreadily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplaryembodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings andadvantages of this invention. For example, as discussed above, the topcover, slider piece, frame, and filter may be formed of a variety ofmaterials and configurations, as long as the register box opening iscovered by the filter so as to allow air to flow outward from the HVACsystem as well as to catch debris larger than a predetermined size. Akey aspect of the system is that air flow through the register is withinthe building code guidelines for the location of the system, whilepreventing sizable debris from falling into the HVAC duct system. Thesize of the debris to be filtered, as well as the amount of air flowallowed through the register filtration system may be adjusted by theselection of the appropriate filter mesh material and mesh size.

Additionally, the specific dimensions of register filtration system 300are modifiable to fit any standard register box opening sizes, as wellas tailored to custom register box openings.

As still another alternative, just frame 120 and filter 310, without topcover 102 and slider piece 110, may be installed at register boxesduring, for example, new construction or renovation of a house or room.Such use would prevent construction debris, such as drywall dust, woodshavings, and carpet fiber, from getting into the existing duct systemduring construction activity, while protecting the opening of theregister box.

Moreover, while the present embodiments have been described as beinguseful as a register box insert, the same concept may be applied to anHVAC system intake opening in order to filter the air going into theHVAC system, rather than just at the outflow.

Furthermore, while the present embodiments have been described withinthe context of an HVAC system, the register filtration system may beadapted to fit into other air systems, such as automotive, train, andairplane air conditioning systems, or stand-alone air conditioners andswamp cooler systems.

Accordingly, many different embodiments stem from the above descriptionand the drawings. It will be understood that it would be undulyrepetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate everycombination and subcombination of these embodiments. As such, thepresent specification, including the drawings, shall be construed toconstitute a complete written description of all combinations andsubcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the mannerand process of making and using them, and shall support claims to anysuch combination or subcombination.

In the specification, there have been disclosed embodiments of theinvention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in ageneric and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.Although a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have beendescribed, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that manymodifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments withoutmaterially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of thisinvention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to beincluded within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims.Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative ofthe present invention and is not to be construed as limited to thespecific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosedembodiments, as well as other embodiments, are intended to be includedwithin the scope of the appended claims. The invention is defined by thefollowing claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A register filtration system for use with an HVACsystem, the register filtration system comprising: a top cover,including a plurality of cover slats defining a plurality of cover ventopenings; a slider piece slidably arranged with respect to the topcover, the slider piece including a plurality of slider slats defining aplurality of slider vent openings; a filter configured for allowing airflow in at least one direction therethrough while capturing debris in anopposite direction; and a frame configured for supporting the top cover,slider piece, and filter thereon, and for covering a register boxopening attached to the HVAC system.
 2. The register filtration systemof claim 1, wherein the slider piece is slidable between a firstposition and a second position such that, when the slider piece is inthe first position, the plurality of slider vent openings aresubstantially unobstructed by the slider piece, and when slider piece isin the second position, the plurality of slider vent openings areblocked by the slider piece.
 3. The register filtration system of claim2, wherein the slider piece includes a toggle switch to move the sliderpiece from the first position to the second position.
 4. The registerfiltration system of claim 1, wherein the filter is further configuredto be removably installed within the frame.
 5. The register filtrationsystem of claim 1, wherein the filter is formed of at least one of awire mesh, a plastic mesh, a nylon mesh, a fabric, a mesh made of woodpulp materials, and a mesh material impregnated with a filtrationmaterial.
 6. The register filtration system of claim 5, wherein thefiltration material includes at least one of a charcoal-impregnatedbamboo mesh and a bamboo charcoal mesh.
 7. The register filtrationsystem of claim 1 further comprising at least one sticker for adheringthe filter to the frame.
 8. The register filtration system of claim 1,wherein the frame is formed of a deformable material.
 9. The registerfiltration system of claim 1 further comprising a scent sachet forimparting a scent to air flowing through the register filtration system.10. The register filtration system of claim 1 further comprising anactivated charcoal filter.
 11. A method for filtering air output from anHVAC system, the method comprising: providing a register configured forfitting into a register box opening for the HVAC system, wherein theregister is further configured for supporting a filter for allowing airflow in at least one direction therethrough while capturing debris in anopposite direction.
 12. The method of claim 11 further comprisingproviding a scent sachet attachable to the register and configured forimparting a scent to air flowing through the register.
 13. The method ofclaim 11 further comprising providing an activated charcoal filter foradditional filtration effects.